Alexander Zverev: "Hard work pays off"
Alexander Zverev seized the opportunity at the ATP 500 event in Dubai and reached the semifinals. Following his success over Lorenzo Sonego, the German showed himself to be relaxed.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Mar 02, 2023, 09:37 pm
Did Alexander Zverev squint at Dominic Thiem in the months out of action, who had finally found his way back on track even after months of failure as a returnee? The form curve of the Austrian and good buddy Zverev, which increased week after week, especially in the autumn of the previous year, could have given the native of Hamburg reason to be confident.
In any case, the US Open finalist from 2020 needed this confidence to get through the recent difficult weeks. Zverev's strong victories have been far too often immediate neck blows, only in Dubai this week was the German able to reach the quarter-finals of an ATP event again. It was the first since the serious ankle injury at the French Open last year. And it was just a start.
Zverev happy
Now Zverev is already in the semifinals at the ATP 500 event, most recently the Hamburg-born surprise man and Auger Aliassime conqueror defeated Lorenzo Sonego convincingly in two sets. A strong sign of life from the former world No. "I'm extremely happy with the progress and how I'm playing right now."
Zverev, who recently revealed the usual problems with the serve, then explained what was important to him in this situation: "In my situation it was important to reflect on the basics and on the things you do yourself can control as well as the serve," said the German, who presented a flawless serve against Sonego throughout the match.
In the semifinals, the native of Hamburg is now waiting for Andrey Rublev, who recently had to struggle with some form problems. Rublev defeated Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets in the quarterfinals. And will be the next, really big indicator for Zverev. Who has the chance in Dubai to win a possible final duel with Novak Djokovic. And to prove there how far the German really is again.